Translational Research Initative

Project Description Narrative:

The goal of this project is to link the strong basic science research programs at MCW with clinical research activities through the newly developed Translational Research Initiative (TRI) of the college. The purpose is to accelerate the generation of new research findings with high potential for beneficial impact on the health of the citizens of Wisconsin and to position MCW at the forefront of a major new National Institutes of Health initiative focused on translational research. The mission of TRI is to integrate the basic research programs of the college into the clinical arena, including epidemiological and genetic studies. Two example projects will be conducted within the TRI that will fulfill this goal. The researchers will use brachial flow mediated vasodilation to examine the effect on endothelial function of a low-carbohydrate diet compared to a low-fat diet. Secondly, the researchers will test the hypotheses that circulating inflammatory products are more than simply markers of vascular inflammation; rather, they can directly impair endothelial function.